Greetings! My current focus is on the following certifications: Network+, Linux+, and Security+. By next Fall, I will be working toward one of the following: CCNA Security or CCNP.

I learned of the Cisco Networking Academy in 2007 as I was finishing my associates at Lone Star College. I had some background in programming logic and languages and was looking to expand my knowledge base regarding all things tech.

Having been through the CCNA courses twice -- a decade apart -- my perspective on the entire certification process is unique.

I took a break professionally for several years to raise my family and pivoted back onto the technology scene a couple of years ago (although some might say I never left). Having been out of the networking flow for some years, I decided to go back through the CCNA courses and obtain certifications this time around.

In December 2019, I took the CCENT as a trial run - never expecting to pass it on the first attempt. Much to my shock, the word "PASS" appeared next to my score. That same day, I complied a similar study approach for the CCNA and scheduled to take the exam in late January, 2020.

The general consensus suggests that the CCNA exam has roughly a 5% pass rate for those taking the exam for the first time. I think this may reflect many, like me, who take the test initially to better understand how to study for it. Fortunately, the study approach I created for the CCENT (and expanded upon for the CCNA) was proven successful once again. Certified Cisco Network Associate became my highest certification achieved on January 22nd, 2020 -- roughly 5 weeks after passing the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician exam. My story is proof that these certifications can be studied in a strategic and structured manner with exceptional results.

I am familiar with the new version of the exam, and I will be taking it in March. I am currently working through the newly released Version 7 material and preparing study guides for the security, automation, and other newly added sections. Always happy to help others by sharing my process for studying and passing these challenging certification exams.

"It had long sense come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things." ~Leonardo da Vinci

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi